Heirloom Tomato & Coconut Bacon BLT with Basil Aioli

There’s something so comforting about the classic BLT. With crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, fresh lettuce, and the perfect smear of mayo, it’s the best diner staple. But it’s hard to stomach this quintessential greasy spoon dish when you think of all the grease. Enter coconut bacon, which is the star of this healthier version of the BLT.

At first I had my doubts. We all know the real draw of any BLT is the crispy bacon paired with fresh tomatoes, and I wasn’t sure coconut bacon would hold up. But the paprika, maple syrup, and liquid smoke in this recipe create a smoky flavor that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and salty. Initially I expected the coconut flavor to be overpowering. Instead, you get a subtle hint of coconut with every crispy bite.

We plated these coconut bacon BLT sandwiches on a wooden serving board and served them at our make-and-take workshop for essential oil diffuser jewelry. While there were some skeptics in the group, the consensus was that the coconut pairs surprisingly well with the soy sauce and other seasonings. The empty serving platter was the true litmus test.

Once the coconut bacon is layered on top of three varieties of heirloom tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, and basil aioli, this BLT holds up well against the original. Since trying coconut bacon, I’m dreaming of ways to incorporate it into other dishes. It would be a delicious addition on avocado toast, a great topping for roasted Brussels sprouts, and a genius bacon bit substitute on your favorite salads — the possibilities are endless!